Artists United for Our Freedoms - March 27, 2026
A Cultural Activation at the Kennedy Center in D.C.
The day before the third No Kings Protest, we held an event outside the Kennedy Center to convene prominent figures from across the arts, culture, and media ecosystem for a unified statement against political intimidation, censorship, and the escalating effort to reshape American cultural life through fear. We chose the Kennedy Center to elevate both the immediate threats facing the Kennedy Center and other cultural institutions, as well as the broader stakes for the First Amendment and artistic freedom. We had incredible performers and spokespeople that joined Jane Fonda: Crys Matthews, Ann Patchett, Joy Reid, Jim Acosta, Jessica J. González, Sam Waterston, Griffin Dunne, Billy Porter, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Bess Kalb, Rupi Kaur, Katie Bethell, Logan Keith, and Kristy Lee.
Jane Fonda, cheered on by Sam Waterston, Griffin Dunne, Rupi Kaur, and Bess Kalb.
Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers share a powerful duet performance.
Sam Waterston, Griffin Dunne, and Billy Porter bring to life Paul Robeson’s 1956 testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).
Joy Reid and Jim Acosta speak on attacks on journalists and the role of a free press.
Jane Fonda and Ann Patchett celebrate backstage.